9:43am Wednesday 1st July 2009
By Nigel Kerton
Vicar Colin Fox became a celebrity for the day at Enford on Saturday when he was invited to officially open the new £630,000 village hall.
The hall, which boasts ground source heating, has been in use for several weeks with events including Moviola film shows.
On Saturday there was a host of events for the official opening of the hall that is also home to Enford Football Club, which has been able to move back to its home pitch now that the building is completed.
Because of the soccer club’s involvement the Football Foundation put up almost £170,000 towards the cost of the hall. The Big Lottery gave £192,500; the former Kennet District Council gave £191,000; the Wiltshire Village Halls Association gave £21,000 and Viridor gave £25,000 in landfill tax credits.
The fact that the building incorporates ground source heating, which takes natural heat from underground, meant it qualified for a further £30,000 in grants, £15,000 from the Big Lottery changing spaces fund and £15,000 from the Department of Trade and Industry’s low carbon programme.
The opening coincided with the village fete where activities included an under tens’ soccer tournament run by the football club, children’s magic shows, a tug of war contest and a fun dog show. There were art and photography competitions as well.
The soccer club has two newly qualified Level 1 coaches and is planning to set up a junior section and needs volunteers to help out. Ring Ollie Stagg on (01980) 670634 or 07831 392035.
Very soon a short mat bowls club will be set up in the hall. For details ring (01980) 670526.
Other clubs which will be using the hall include pilates, bridge, flower arranging, yoga, photography, gardening and a youth club.
Chairman of the hall trustees, Judy D’Arcy Irvine, said: “The project took almost ten years to the day. We kept the old hall going until about two years ago and the new hall is on a much better site. We are confident it is the best in the area.”
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